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Media/Press Releases

Mardi Gras at the Capitol Raises Over $100,000 for Sherry’s Run

On Friday, February 1, people from across Wilson County showed up in a big way for Mardi Gras at the Capitol to benefit the Sherry’s Run organization.

“Thanks to so many generous people and businesses across Wilson County, Mardi Gras at the Capitol was a huge success to support the Sherry’s Run organization,” said Julie Miller-Wilson, Mardi Gras at the Capitol event chair. “There was so much community support, the venue sold out days before the event! The 4th annual event raised a record-setting over $100,000 to assist cancer patients in Wilson County and surrounding communities.”

“From the table sponsors to individual ticket purchasers, silent and live auction donors and the winners of the auction items, so many people helped make Mardi Gras at the Capitol an amazing event,” said Wilson. “The event sponsors went above and beyond to make the evening spectacular! Bob and Pam Black allowed us the use of the beautiful Capitol Theatre. Party Providers set the tables for our fabulous meal provided by Ed Riley with Mo’Cara Southern Dining and Two Fat Men Catering. Additionally, the success of the evening was made possible with support from Cheers Wine & Liquor. Scott and Kirsten Harris provided the festive photo booth and S.S. Graham Floral, Interiors and Events provided beautiful centerpieces. Hawk Specialty Services provided sound and arranged for the band, Four on the Floor. The generosity and support shown for Sherry’s Run commitment to assisting those in Wilson County and surrounding communities who are battling cancer was beyond extraordinary!”

“The Sherry’s Run Executive Board and Staff are so grateful for the support of our community and the leadership of our Mardi Gras at the Capitol chairs, Glenn and Julie Miller-Wilson,” said Pat Lawson, Executive Director of Sherry’s Run. “Glenn and Julie worked tirelessly to make this a premier event to benefit the Sherry’s Run organization. We greatly appreciate their leadership and everyone who contributed to make Mardi Gras at the Capitol so successful!”

Sherry’s Run, Wilson County’s largest grassroots cancer fundraising effort, is a non-profit, Christian organization that has helped hundreds of individuals and their families during some of the hardest times of their lives. With community support and involvement, Sherry’s Run helps members of our community year round through support groups; assistance with utilities, housing, prescriptions, medical bills, gas and groceries; and colonoscopy assistance.

To learn more about the Sherry’s Run organization, please call 615-925-2592. To refer someone for assistance, please call 615-925-9932 or email sherrysrunhelp@gmail.com. To make a donation to Sherry’s Run, click here or mail donations to Sherry’s Run, P.O. Box 8, Lebanon, TN 37088-0008.

Pictured left to right are:

Dana Holtgraewe, Party Providers

Bob Black, Capitol Theatre

Ed Riley, Mo’Cara Southern Dining and Two Fat Men Catering

Gary Whitaker, Founding Member of Sherry’s Run

Pat Lawson, Executive Director of Sherry’s Run

Julie Miller-Wilson, Mardi Gras at the Capitol Event Chair

Corrie Cluck

Faith, courage, optimism and a desire to help others were qualities that defined Sharon “Sherry” Patterson Whitaker. Both before and after the energetic wife and mother was diagnosed with colon cancer, the impression she made on her family, friends and community was undeniable. While her battle in the flesh was lost in 2004, the spirit she had shown throughout life continues to touch more lives every day. Because of Sherry’s Run, a 5K run/walk benefit organized in Sherry’s memory, area cancer victims and their families can make strides toward becoming cancer survivors, and researchers are a small step closer to stopping the disease for good.